Backgammon – 3 Main Techniques
In astonishingly simple terms, there are three main techniques used. You must be agile enough to switch techniques instantly as the action of the match unfolds.
The Blockade
This is comprised of building a 6-deep wall of checkers, or at least as deep as you are able to manage, to lock in your opponent’s checkers that are on your 1-point. This is considered to be the most suitable tactic at the start of the match. You can create the wall anywhere between your eleven-point and your two-point and then shuffle it into your home board as the match continues.
The Blitz
This is composed of locking your home board as quick as as you can while keeping your challenger on the bar. e.g., if your competitor tosses an early two and shifts one checker from your one-point to your 3-point and you then toss a five-five, you are able to play six/one six/one 8/3 8/3. Your opposer is then in serious calamity taking into account that they have 2 pieces on the bar and you have locked half your home board!
The Backgame
This course of action is where you have two or higher checkers in your competitor’s home board. (An anchor is a point filled by at a minimum 2 of your checkers.) It would be played when you are extremely behind as it greatly improves your chances. The strongest areas for anchor spots are towards your competitor’s lower points and also on adjoining points or with one point separating them. Timing is important for a competent backgame: besides, there’s no point having 2 nice anchor spots and a solid wall in your own inner board if you are then forced to dismantle this right away, while your opposer is shifting their pieces home, taking into account that you don’t have other additional checkers to shift! In this case, it is more favorable to have pieces on the bar so that you are able to maintain your position until your competitor provides you an opportunity to hit, so it can be a great idea to attempt and get your opponent to hit them in this situation!